We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. China’s ultra-hot heat pump breakthrough paves way for melting ore with sunlight
For over a century, the dream of efficiently concentrating low-grade heat into high-temperature industrial energy has been constrained by a stubborn ceiling: 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). Now, a team from China has shattered that temperature limit.
2. Tokyo spells out part position on Taiwan in bid to ease tension with Beijing
The Japanese government has spelled out its position on Taiwan – although only in part – based on the 1972 document that normalised diplomatic ties to ease tensions, while insisting that the Taiwan issue should be resolved “peacefully through dialogue”.
3. Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges in national security trial
Three Hong Kong judges who presided over former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s high-profile national security trial for more than 1½ years returned their verdict on Monday, finding him guilty on all charges.